Fluval Bio Stratum Plant Soil 2 kg

Setup & Use

Rinse it gently, and do not stir it. Fluval’s own instruction: rinse Bio-Stratum in a large colander or similar, without agitating the substrate, to remove fine dust particles. The granules are 1 mm and lightweight. Agitation breaks them down, and broken soil is what clouds a tank for a fortnight.

How much you need, using Fluval’s own formula. Measure the tank’s length and width in centimetres, decide the substrate depth you want in centimetres, then multiply the three and divide by 1,000. The answer is kilograms. Fluval’s worked example: a 90 × 60 cm tank at 8 cm deep needs 90 × 60 × 8 ÷ 1,000 = 43.2 kg.

Which puts this 2 kg bag in perspective. Run the same arithmetic on a small tank (30 × 20 cm at 3 cm deep) and you get 1.8 kg. This size is for a nano tank, for a planted section within a larger layout, or as the top layer over a cheaper base, which is exactly how Fluval describe its intended use.

The bacteria are dormant until they meet water. Fluval condition the nitrifying bacteria into dormancy before packaging so they survive dry storage; they wake on contact with aquarium water. That is what the substrate’s ammonia-reduction claim rests on, and it is a one-time event at setup. A bag opened and left in a damp corner for a season is not the same product.

What it will do to your water. Fluval state that Bio-Stratum supports a neutral to slightly acidic pH and softens water by reducing carbonate hardness. That is ideal for planted tanks, tropical fish and shrimp, and it is the wrong choice under a hard-water community or an African rift-lake setup.

Freshness & Storage

Every batch we dispatch carries a minimum of 6 months’ remaining shelf life. Store this product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, with the cap or inner foil closed tightly after each use.

Filter media and substrates carry no manufacturing or expiry date. Their working life begins on first contact with water, not on the shelf.

Returns & Replacement

Returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery, provided the item is unused and in its original packaging. Manufacturer-sealed items cannot be returned once the seal is broken, and sale-priced items are not refundable.

If your item arrives defective or damaged, message us on WhatsApp with your order number, or email us if you would rather, and we will replace it. Approved replacements are delivered within 3 to 5 business days. Transit damage is covered by insurance on every shipment. If tracking shows delivered but nothing reached you, tell us within 48 hours, which is the reporting window Indian couriers allow. Damage caused during installation or use is not covered; replacement spares for such cases are chargeable.

Full terms are on our Cancellation & Returns page.